Things To Do
in Campo Novo do Parecis
Campo Novo do Parecis is a small agricultural municipality in the western part of Mato Grosso, Brazil, set on the Parecis plateau with a landscape of rolling cerrado, small rivers and farmland. The town serves as a regional hub for soy, corn and cattle production, giving it a practical, working-town character with friendly, down-to-earth people. Nature around the municipality includes patchy cerrado, pockets of gallery forest along waterways and scenic viewpoints on low plateaus that are especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset.
Visitors come mostly for rural tourism, fishing, birdwatching and to experience interior-Brazil life rather than for big-city attractions.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Campo Novo do Parecis and check into your accommodations. Begin your day by savoring a traditional Brazilian breakfast at a local café, where you can enjoy fresh fruits, pão de queijo, and coffee. Take a leisurely stroll around the town to soak in the local atmosphere and meet welcoming residents.
Explore the historical sites in Campo Novo do Parecis, including charming churches and local markets. Try out local cuisine for lunch, perhaps a delicious feijoada or a variety of fresh regional fruits. As the afternoon light softens, visit the nearby nature trails for a tranquil walk amidst the lush greenery.
Experience a delightful dinner at a local restaurant, sampling traditional dishes while enjoying Brazilian music. Spend the evening wandering through the town square, where you might encounter cultural events or live performances. End your day with a relaxing night under the stars, reflecting on your first impressions of this vibrant community.
Rise early and embark on a thrilling excursion to the Pantanal, the world's largest tropical wetland. Join a guided tour to experience the rich biodiversity of this unique ecosystem, where you’ll have the chance to spot capybaras, caimans, and an array of bird species. The morning sun rising over the wetlands offers breathtaking views and perfect photo opportunities.
After a morning of exploration, enjoy a packed lunch surrounded by nature, listening to the sounds of wildlife and the rustling of leaves. Continue your adventure with a boat ride or a guided walk through the lush vegetation, learning about the diverse flora and fauna that call the Pantanal home. Keep your camera ready for any encounters with the elusive jaguar or colorful macaws.
Return to Campo Novo do Parecis for a well-deserved dinner, discussing the day's adventures with fellow travelers. Opt for a restaurant that offers local specialties, such as freshly grilled fish or seasoned meats. Wind down your day by visiting a local bar, where you can enjoy drinks and live music, immersing yourself in the vibrant culture.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Coffee / Snack at bakery | $1-3 |
| 🍺Local beer (bar) | $1.50-3 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $2-8 |
| 🏨Basic guesthouse / pousada (per night) | $25-60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic interior-Brazil experience with friendly local hospitality
- Access to countryside activities: fishing, horseback riding and birdwatching
- Scenic plateau and river landscapes ideal for photography
- Lower prices than major tourist destinations; relaxed pace
- Limited tourist infrastructure and few English speakers
- Unpaved roads and weather-related access issues during the wet season
- Scarcer dining and entertainment options compared with larger cities
- Limited medical and specialty services locally
- "Bom dia" - Good morning
- "Obrigado / Obrigada" - Thank you (male / female speaker)
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica o centro?" - Where is the town center?
- "Pode me ajudar?" - Can you help me?
Places to Visit in Campo Novo do Parecis
Visit one of these nice places.
Capture everyday life, architecture and portraits of local vendors in soft morning light.
Low plateaus offer wide vistas of cerrado and farmland—excellent for sunrise/sunset landscape shots and sweeping panoramas.
Small rivers and gallery forest edges are great for bird photography, reflections and intimate nature images.
Dirt roads, cattle, and rural scenes convey the agricultural character—excellent for documentary-style photos of interior life.
Food in Campo Novo do Parecis
Campo Novo do Parecis Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Grilled beef and pork, often served at local churrascarias and family barbecues; ask for cuts typical to the region and try with farofa and vinaigrette. Good places are small local steakhouses and weekend gatherings.
Must-Try!
Freshwater fish prepared grilled or fried, sometimes in a light sauce—available at riverside restaurants and local eateries near waterways.
The classic rice-and-beans with cassava (manioc) accompaniment—everyday staple served at small restaurants and homes.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Periodic open-air markets selling fresh produce, baked goods and snacks; ideal for tasting local fruits, fresh pão de queijo, simple pastéis and seasonal specialties.
Small stalls and bakery counters close to the central square serve coxinha, pastéis and local cakes—perfect for a quick bite and people-watching.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Friendly, polite greetings are important—use 'Bom dia' (good morning) and 'Boa tarde' (good afternoon), and shake hands in first meetings; friends may greet with a light kiss on the cheek.
Be respectful when visiting private farms—ask permission before taking photos of people, livestock or property and follow host instructions.
Dress casually but neatly—avoid beachwear in town; comfortable clothing and closed shoes are recommended for outdoor activities.
Locals are hospitable; if invited to a home, bringing a small gift like sweets or coffee is appreciated and remove shoes if asked.
Safety
Tipping in Campo Novo do Parecis
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always mandatory; in restaurants a 10% service charge may be added—if not, a 5–10% tip for good service is typical. For guides, drivers and hotel staff, small cash tips are welcome for personalized service.
Cash (Brazilian real) is widely used, especially in small shops, markets and rural areas. Cards are accepted at larger restaurants and supermarkets, but connectivity may be unreliable—carry cash for remote excursions and small purchases.
ATMs exist in town but may have limits or be offline sometimes; withdraw enough cash in larger towns if you plan to travel to remote fazendas. Credit cards work in many places but inform your bank if traveling.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Wet season (roughly November–March): expect frequent heavy afternoon storms, lush vegetation and high insect activity. Roads can become muddy and some rural routes may be difficult without 4x4 transport; river levels rise, improving some fishing but reducing accessibility in low-lying areas.
Transitional period with drier weather starting (April–May). Temperatures are still warm but rainfall decreases—good time for outdoor activities, clearer skies and easier travel on dirt roads.
Dry season (June–August): cooler nights, low humidity and clearer skies—best time for hiking, birdwatching and landscape photography. Dust on unpaved roads can be an issue.
Wet season returns (September–October) with increasing humidity and showers; vegetation regrows after the dry season and flowers appear but expect more unpredictable weather.
Campo Novo do Parecis at Night
Hiking in Campo Novo do Parecis
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short trails and dirt-road walks to low-plateau viewpoints offering wide-open vistas of cerrado and farmland—best at sunrise or sunset for photography.
Gentle walks along gallery forests and riverbanks for birdwatching and seeing riparian plants; take insect repellent and water.
Many local ranches offer guided hikes or rides on private trails—arrange permission or a visit through a host to experience rural landscapes and cattle country.
Airports
How to reach Campo Novo do Parecis by plane.
A regional airport in Sinop serves flights to larger hubs; it is commonly used by visitors to western Mato Grosso and is a several-hour drive from Campo Novo do Parecis—rent a car or take intercity bus/taxi from there.
Cuiabá’s airport is the main air gateway to Mato Grosso with flights from Brazil’s larger cities; expect a long overland journey to Campo Novo do Parecis and consider arranging onward transport in advance.
Smaller regional airports in the vicinity may offer limited scheduled flights; these can be convenient if available seasonally, but check schedules and ground connections beforehand.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A large portion of the population is involved in farming, cattle raising and associated industries—community life often centers around farming schedules and local commerce.
Workers who migrate seasonally for harvest and agribusiness contribute to a diverse mix of backgrounds and traditions.
Local business owners, service providers and public servants who support the town’s economy and social life.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer is the dominant pastime—local amateur matches and youth leagues are common and community-supported.
Rodeos, working cattle events and horseback competitions are popular in the agricultural culture and draw local crowds, especially during festivals.
Sport fishing in rivers and reservoirs is a widespread recreational activity among residents and visitors.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Campo Novo do Parecis.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are limited in rural Mato Grosso but possible—request rice, beans, salads and manioc-based dishes; larger restaurants in town may adapt simple vegetarian plates on request, and bakeries provide snacks.
Vegan and gluten-free options are uncommon; bring staples or snacks if you have strict needs and communicate clearly in Portuguese. Supermarkets carry some basics but specialty items may be scarce.
If you have food allergies, learn the Portuguese terms (e.g., 'amendoim' for peanut) and inform servers; cross-contamination at small kitchens is possible.